charity programs

Equity firms partner for $100M buyout of eligibility firm

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:59:55 -0400

In a move that further underscores the industry's renewed determination to get patients registered appropriately for state and federal medical programs, a group of private equity firms have partnered to acquire Chamberlin Edmonds & Associates of Atlanta, which provides specialized eligibility determination services to hospitals. It helps hospitals qualify patients not only for Medicaid and federal and state programs, but also, SSI, Society Security Disability and charity care programs, and even crime victims compensation funding.

Chamberlin Edmonds guides uninsured patients through the process of applying for reimbursement for uncompensated care, particularly federal and state disability programs. It has more than 160 customers in 27 states. Chamberlin Edmonds' top executives should remain with the company. The private equity firms involved in the buyout include New York's Charterhouse Group, Highlander Partners and MTS Health Investors. The deal is valued at about $100 million.

To learn more about the deal:
- read this Modern Healthcare article (reg. req.)
- read the equity firms' release

Related Article:
Study: Uninsured ranks could be much lower

MN governor vetoes medical debt history bill

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) has vetoed a bill that would have banned healthcare providers from collecting, using or sharing medical debt information to qualify patients prior to providing elective services. The bill, which had passed both of the state's legislative chamber's by a broad margin, permitted providers to determine patient income levels and assets, but only to qualify them for charity programs or state and federal reimbursement programs. Pawlenty, however, called the bill "extremely broad," and said that it could force providers to make big changes in how they offer routine medical services. Supporters of the bill say they'll probably rework the text to try and meet the governor's objections.

To learn more about the bill:
- read this Modern Healthcare article (reg. req.)

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MN bill blocks hospitals from using debt info pre-care

Wed, 07 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Arguing that such a practice is coming, even if it isn't widely observed yet, Minnesota legislators have approved a bill forbidding hospitals from using information about a patient's medical debt history to decide whether or not to treat that patient. The bill forbids providers from sharing or obtaining medical debt information until after care is delivered. Hospitals are entitled to determine patient income and assets, but only for the purpose of qualifying the patient for charity programs or state and federal reimbursement.

Right now, a small number of providers have begun financially qualifying patients who need elective procedures. That could conceivably disqualify a substantial minority of patients seeking care, as one in five Americans have medical debt, according to research by the Commonwealth Fund.

To learn more about the bill:
- read this piece from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
- read the bill text

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